Patents Assigned to kinetic
  • Publication number: 20060104058
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled lighting based on a reference color gamut that is shared amongst multiple lighting units. A reference color gamut may be determined for multiple lighting units based on spectral power distributions associated with the lighting units. Variable color light or variable color temperature white light subsequently may be generated consistently and predictably amongst multiple lighting units that are each controlled based on the reference color gamut. Lighting commands received by multiple lighting units may be appropriately processed in each lighting unit, based on a predetermined relationship between the lighting commands and the reference color gamut, to ensure consistent and predictable color or color temperature reproduction amongst the multiple units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Chemel, Frederick Morgan, Kevin Dowling
  • Publication number: 20060098077
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating two or more different colors or color temperatures of light over a significant range of different saturations or different color temperatures, in which luminance compensation is provided. In one example, generated light is compensated, at least in part, for the “Helmholtz-Kohlrausch” (HK) effect, which models the perception of different brightnesses for different colors or color temperatures, notwithstanding identical luminances. In another example, lighting apparatus including one or more LEDs to generate two or more different colors or color temperatures of light are configured to provide luminance compensation so as to mitigate, at least in part, the HK effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin Dowling
  • Patent number: 7042172
    Abstract: A lighting system associated with a machine vision system. The machine vision system may direct lighting control commands to the lighting system to change the illumination conditions provided to an object. A vision system may also be provided and associated with the machine vision system such that the vision system views and captures an image(s) of the object when lit by the lighting system. The machine vision system may direct the lighting system to change the illumination conditions and then capture the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7041925
    Abstract: Apparatus for the electrostatic separation of a mixture of particles that exhibit difference in electrical conductivity, comprising: a conductive surface to which conducting particles lose their charge; feeding means for feeding the mixture of particles onto the conductive surface; an ionising electrode for ionising individual particles in the mixture of particles; and a first static electrode having the same polarity as the ionising electrode and which serves to generate a static electric field, the first static electrode being located sufficiently close to the ionising electrode that the static electric field acts continuously on the particles as they are ionised; wherein conducting particles are separated from non-conducting particles on the basis of their different retained charge after a period of contact with the conductive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ore Kinetics Investments Pty., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter J. Gates
  • Patent number: 7040631
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having at least one pair of forward and one pair of rearward wheels, including: a suspension arm (7–10) for each wheel providing at least partial location of the associated wheel, the suspension arm (7–8) of the forward wheel being pivotally mounted to a vehicle body at a pivot position (11, 15, 12, 16) rearward to an axle line of the forward wheel, the suspension arm (9–10) of the rearward wheel being pivotally mounted to the vehicle body at a pivot position (13, 17; 14, 18) forward to an axle line of the rearward wheel; at least one lever arm (19–22) moving in conjunction with and extending radially from the pivot position (11–18) of each suspension arm (7–10); wherein at each respective side of the vehicle, a ram assembly (23, 24) is located between the lever arms (19–22) of the forward and rearward wheel, the ram assembly (23, 24) including at least a first (25, 27) and second (26, 28) variable volume fluid chamber, each fluid chamber (25–28) being in fluid communication
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Kinetic Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Marcus Kotulla, Richard Monk
  • Patent number: 7038399
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing power to devices via an A.C. power source, and for facilitating the use of LED-based light sources on A.C. power circuits that provide signals other than standard line voltages. In one example, LED-based light sources may be coupled to A.C. power circuits that are controlled by conventional dimmers (i.e, “A.C. dimmer circuits”). Hence, LED-based light sources may be conveniently substituted for other light sources (e.g., incandescent lights) in lighting environments employing conventional A.C. dimming devices and/or other control signals present on the A.C. power circuit. In yet other aspects, one or more parameters relating to the light generated by LED-based light sources (e.g., intensity, color, color temperature, temporal characteristics, etc.) may be conveniently controlled via operation of a conventional A.C. dimmer and/or other signals present on the A.C. power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7038398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of creating eye-catching displays by taking advantage of color-changing illumination provided by LED systems disclosed herein. Displays can be made to appear to change color or to move simply by changing the color of the light illuminating them. Also, the use of such light in projected is described. A vending machine, an article of clothing, and a container lit by these LED systems are specifically provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller, Michael K. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7031920
    Abstract: A system and method for the control of color-based lighting through voice control or speech recognition as well as a syntax for use with such a system. In this approach, the spoken voice (in any language) can be used to more naturally control effects without having to learn the myriad manipulation required of some complex controller interfaces. A simple control language based upon spoken words consisting of commands and values is constructed and used to provide a common base for lighting and system control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7028432
    Abstract: A compact ceiling isolation hanger for suspending and isolating a ceiling from the ceiling structure comprises two vibration isolators, two vibration isolator mounting means, a channel bracket having a channel carrier and opposing flanges, and a ceiling bracket mounted to the ceiling structure, wherein the vibration isolator mounting means mount the vibration isolators and the channel bracket to the ceiling bracket such that the vibration isolator mounting means pass through the channel bracket flanges, and wherein the ceiling bracket is adapted such that the vibration isolator mounting means do not contact the ceiling structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Kinetics Noise Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Manos, Matthew Swysgood
  • Patent number: 7028969
    Abstract: A seismically restrained vibration isolating mounting device seismically restrains and vibrationally isolates equipment which is supported by an equipment support means, from the equipment mounting surface. This seismically restrained vibration isolating mounting device is comprised of a three-axis snubber mounted to the equipment mounting surface and which restrains the equipment support means; and a vibration isolator, wherein the equipment support means is supported by the vibration isolator and wherein the vibration isolator is supported by the equipment mounting surface, wherein the vibration isolator acts in the direction of gravity, and wherein the three axis-snubber is closer to the equipment supporting surface than the vibration isolator, and the vibration isolator is external to the three-axis snubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Kinetics Noise Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Meisel, Richard S. Sherren
  • Publication number: 20060076908
    Abstract: Lighting networks that include multiple LED-based lighting units, and user interfaces to facilitate control of such networks. Lighting units of a lighting network may be configured to generate one or more of variable color light, variable intensity light, and variable color temperature white light. Different areas of an environment in which light is provided by the lighting network may be divided into respective lighting zones, and some or all of the lighting units of the lighting network may be configured so as to provide controllable lighting in one or more such lighting zones. One or more user interfaces are configured so as to allow relatively simplified and intuitive control of the lighting network, either manually (in real time) or via one or more user-selectable predetermined lighting programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick Morgan, Brian Chemel, Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Michael Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7027141
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining and adjusting the static attitude of a head suspension or a head suspension assembly for use in a dynamic storage device. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a workpiece support and an adjust device, operatively positioned with respect to the workpiece support, for adjusting the head suspension. The adjust device includes first and second clamp portions for restraining a gimbal arm and an adjust body for deforming the restrained gimbal arm while the gimbal arm is restrained by the first and second clamp portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Girard, Joseph P. Tracy, David R. Swift, Ryan A. Jurgenson
  • Patent number: 7014336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for generating and/or modulating illumination conditions to generate high-quality light of a desired and controllable color, for creating lighting fixtures for producing light in desirable and reproducible colors, and for modifying the color temperature or color shade of light within a prespecified range after a lighting fixture is constructed. In one embodiment, LED lighting units capable of generating light of a range of colors are used to provide light or supplement ambient light to afford lighting conditions suitable for a wide range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred D. Ducharme, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20060050509
    Abstract: A color-changing device which includes an enclosure at least a portion of which is material which is desired to change color. There is also included an illumination device, such as an LED or collection of LEDs which can illuminate the material. There can also be included a controller which can take some form of input, such as from a network, or a sensor, and can convert that input into a signal to control the illumination. There is also included a method for performing such color change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, George Mueller, Ihor Lys
  • Publication number: 20060022214
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for LED modules that include an LED die integrated in an LED package with a submount that includes an electronic component for controlling the light emitted by the LED die. The electronic component integrated in the submount may include drive hardware, a network interface, memory, a processor, a switch-mode power supply, a power facility, or another type of electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Publication number: 20060016960
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating light output from an LED is provided. The system includes a support on which an LED is positioned, a photosensor to measure the light output from the LED, and means for calibrating and adjusting the light output of the LED. Calibration is accomplished by measuring the light output from the LED, comparing such output against a reference value, and adjusting the measured output against the reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys
  • Publication number: 20060012987
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for producing a beam of light having a prescribed luminous flux spectrum. In one example, the lighting fixture comprises a plurality of groups of light-emitting devices, each such group configured to emit light having a distinct luminous flux spectrum, and a controller configurable to supply selected amounts of electrical power to the plurality of groups of light-emitting devices, such that the groups cooperate to produce a composite beam of light having a prescribed luminous flux spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred Ducharme, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, George Mueller
  • Publication number: 20060002110
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lighting systems, including high output linear lighting systems for various environments. The linear lighting systems may include power systems for driving light sources in high-voltage environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Kevin McCormick
  • Patent number: RE38939
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Segmented Coil Array (“SCA”) for use in rotary electromotive devices, such as motors and generators, which employ multiple coils operating within an axial gap magnetic structure. Individual conductor coils have offset circumferentially extending portions so as to allow interlocking of adjacent coils radially extending portions to form a circular array in which all of the coils' working conductors, which are those in the axial magnetic field, can be oriented in the same plane. This construction allows minimum magnet gap spacing, thus, maximizing the available magnetic flux. The resulting SCA may easily be commuted as a three-phase motor, actuator, or generator. The invention also provides a structure whereby multiple coil arrays and associated magnetic rotors may be alternately stacked in layers so as to further increase the total coil working area within a motor or generator of a given diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Kinetic Art & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Lee Kessinger, Jr., Paul Anthony Stahura, Paul Eric Receveur, Karl David Dockstader
  • Patent number: D518218
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Roberge, Colin Piepgras, Steve T. Kondo, Peter Swai